New York State Contract Reporter #SF260137

Operation of Empire Room Bar and Patio at the 2026 New York State Fair

This opportunity invites applications for the operation of the Empire Room Bar and Patio at the New York State Fairgrounds during the 2026 Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY. - Government Buyer: - New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, NYS Fair Division - Office: NYS Fairgrounds - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named in the solicitation - Products/Services Requested: - Operation and management of a licensed bar and patio space (approx. 5,252 sq ft) - Includes bar (1,056 sq ft), patio (3,600 sq ft), office, walk-in cooler, and entertainment area - Provision of all staff, equipment, and supplies - Sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and manufacturer-packaged foods (no on-site food preparation or cooking allowed) - Entertainment offerings (with restrictions on timing and type) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Operator must submit a detailed concept, layout, and operational plan - Evaluation criteria include references, NYS business status, experience, M/WBE and SDVOB status, and variety of offerings - Bar and patio must be open daily from 10 am to 9 pm (option to extend to 10:30 pm) - First submitted application prevails in the event of a tie - Place of Performance: - NYS Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13209

Description

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking applications to operate the Empire Room bar and adjacent patio at the New York State Fairgrounds during the 2026 Great New York State Fair from August 26 to September 7, 2026. The licensed space includes a bar, patio, office, walk-in cooler, and an optional outdoor entertainment area. The operator must sell alcoholic beverages, may sell non-alcoholic beverages, but cannot sell prepared food or cook on site. Applicants must provide all staff, equipment, and supplies, and the operation must be open daily from 10 am to 9 pm with an option to stay open until 10:30 pm. Applications will be evaluated on concept, entertainment offerings, references, New York State business and food products, experience, M/WBE and SDVOB status, and variety of products and attractions.

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